On October 11, ham radio operators, Red Cross volunteers, Emergency Management staff members and Community Emergency Response Team members gathered at the Red Cross office in Waukesha with one unified goal: to make sure they were ready to respond to disasters immediately and efficiently.

After a short orientation, volunteers were sent out into “affected” areas in Waukesha to collect information and connect with their local first responders, the fire department. They communicated with ham radios, the only possible means of communication when a disaster eliminates all other conventional means. Once their “assignments” were complete, they wrapped up their exercise with lunch donated by Buffalo Wild Wings. For more pictures, visit our new facebook page.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.You can also support the Red Cross online by becoming a fan on our facebook page and following us on Twitter.